Columbus, the first discoverer of Sheba?
Columbus is said to have a lot to say about first discoveries. Starting with the discovery of America, to the little jewel of this island, which, according to legend, he claims to have taken possession of in 1493 in the name of the Spanish crown.
According to the fact and that this can be proven on the basis of surviving and well-preserved documents, it may be credited to the busy seafarer. Although, so it was said, at the sight of the small island, he did not think it worth it to him to disembark from his ship.
Nevertheless, he gave the island the resounding name “Isla de San Cristobal”. Saint San Cristobal is granted it. It has not caused any damage to the island, except for the fact that rigorous deforestation took place in the following centuries. Due to the warm climate, with mild temperatures between 21 and 29 degrees during the day and a few degrees below at night, as well as the tropical-humid weather, a secondary rainforest has formed on the island over centuries, which can be presented with a clear conscience as a victory of nature over the greed of man.
One big volcano
In fact, the island of Saba consists of a single huge volcano, the “Mount Scenery”, which, however, one would like to wish for the island’s just under 2000 inhabitants, with its diameter of 4.5 square kilometers , will remain dormant for the next few hundred years.
However, you should definitely treat yourself to an ascent to the summit, which is over 877 metres high. Volcano or not, Saba has its own airport, which is a must-see in terms of take-off and landing, and a ferry station that maintains connections to the neighboring island of Green Island .
The distance is just 250 meters away from Saba. Due to the dangerous swell and the rough coastal landscape, this seemingly small distance can become a seafaring challenge. In the event of an emergency, however, one can rely on the rescue team of the “German Society for the Rescue of Shipwrecked Persons”, which has a decommissioned salvage ship, the “Erika”, at anchor. Shipwrecked people were also among the first settlers of these islands, which formerly belonged to the Lesser Antilles .
Saba – A varied history
Over the centuries, the island changed hands several times (see also the article Netherlands Antilles). When it finally turned out that there was hardly any more usable wood available and that the mining of sulphur that had begun and the subsequent transport was too cumbersome, Saba became part of the Dutch crown estate. For central reasons, the capital was designated in the centre of the island and given the name “The Bottom”.
Because Saba, with its neighbors Green Island, represents a tropical paradise. The same applies to the more distant islands, such as Bonaire and Curacao . To ensure that this remains the case, the councils of the respective islands appointed by the Dutch crown take care of it. In fact, the island is considered a holistic nature reserve where rigorous rules apply to protect fauna and flora, above and below water. Nevertheless, many divers and sailors, occasionally yachts find their way to Saba.
Green Island – the uninhabited paradise
Green Island is a true gem that is still uninhabited. The island, which has a pronounced tropical growth, has a large number of animal inhabitants of all kinds, above all the “Red Racer”, a species of snake, and numerous mosquitoes during the rainy season. The former, however, are shy according to their species and secondly non-toxic. With regard to mosquito swarms, however, you should have effective vaccination protection.
The home of Robinson Cruesoe?
It is doubtful that Daniel Dufoe, the creator of the novel character “Robinson Crusoe”, ever visited the island himself. Evidence of such an event would be seen everywhere. However, one cannot help but imagine how this shipwrecked man could have found his temporary home here on Saba. It’s all too easy to imagine.
Special features on Saba
Despite the constantly changing ownership structure, Dutch has established itself as the language. You should definitely visit the well-preserved dwellings of the first castaways.
You should also visit the two museums located on the island, the “Major Osmar Ralph Simmons Museum“, which mainly presents finds from earlier times, and the “Harry L. Johnson Museum”, which is kept in Victorian style. One of the former residents was a certain “Mary Gertrude Harriett Johnson”, who brought the lace craft to the island on her way to her monastery in Curacao. These are still produced on the island today and are a “must” of a holiday souvenir.
Saba and …,
Saba and its neighbours are one of those nature refuges that are considered a symbol of unadulterated and unspoiled nature due to their uniqueness in terms of fauna and flora, their wealth of natural pure beauty. Which may well be one of the reasons why people are so concerned about the condition of the “National Land Park”, called Saba, whose compliance with the rules is particularly monitored. Much has been written about getting out, about a “life in and with nature”.
Saba and her neighbours are living proof that the coexistence of man and nature is possible in harmony because it is based on mutual respect. Let’s hope that not too many “dropouts” suddenly feel attracted to this island. As much as it could be understood.
The most beautiful beaches on Saba
- Well’s Bay Beach: Well’s Bay Beach is a secluded beach in the northeast of Saba. The beach is surrounded by steep rocks and lush vegetation and offers spectacular views of the sea.
- Cove Bay Beach: Cove Bay Beach is a quiet beach with white sand and turquoise waters. The beach provides a perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation and swimming.
- Windwardside Beach: Windwardside Beach is a small beach near the main town of Windwardside. The beach offers crystal clear waters and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
- Fort Bay Beach: Fort Bay Beach is a popular beach near the capital city of Oranjestad. The beach offers crystal clear waters and a beautiful backdrop overlooking the harbor.
- Tent Bay Beach: Tent Bay Beach is a secluded beach on the east coast of Saba. The beach offers white sand, crystal clear waters and impressive views of the surrounding mountains.
General information:
- Layer: Saba is a small island in the northern Caribbean and belongs to the Netherlands.
It is located about 50 kilometers southwest of Sint Maarten. - Area: The island has an area of only 13 square kilometers.
- Population: Saba has a population of about 2,000 inhabitants.
History:
- Colonial era: Saba was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493.
The island changed hands several times between Spain, the Netherlands, France and England before finally coming under Dutch control. - Dutch rule: Since 1816, Saba has officially belonged to the Netherlands.
Nature and Environment:
- Volcanic Island: Saba is of volcanic origin, with Mount Scenery as the highest point in the Netherlands at 887 meters high.
The volcano is extinct and the island is known for its steep, wooded slopes. - National parks: Saba is home to Saba National Marine Park and Saba National Park, which protect unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity.
- Flora and fauna: The island is known for its tropical rainforests and a variety of plant and animal species, including many endemic and rare species.
Tourism:
- Activities: Saba is a popular destination for divers and hikers.
The island offers some of the best diving in the Caribbean, as well as well-marked hiking trails through lush rainforests. - Accommodations: Saba offers a number of charming hotels, guesthouses and holiday homes that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings.
- Cultural events: The island has a rich cultural heritage and annually celebrates various festivals and events that celebrate local music, dance and cuisine.
Reachability:
- Transport: Saba can be reached by plane and ferry.
Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport has one of the shortest runways in the world and offers flights to and from Sint Maarten.
Ferries also connect Saba with Sint Maarten on a regular basis.
Special features:
- Culture: The people of Saba are known for their hospitality and the preservation of traditional crafts, such as the famous Saba lace (a type of bobbin lace).
- Sustainability: Saba attaches great importance to sustainable tourism and environmental protection.
The islanders are actively involved in the conservation of their natural resources and the promotion of an environmentally friendly lifestyle.
